Johny Johny Yes Papa lyrics
Johny, Johny,
Yes, Papa?
Eating sugar?
No, Papa.
Telling lies?
No, Papa.
Open your mouth!
Ha ha ha!
Actions to do together
- A grown-up sings Papa’s lines and the child answers.
- Shake your head firmly for every “No, Papa”.
- Open your mouth wide for the big reveal.
- Swap roles, so your child gets to be Papa or Mama.
What children learn
- Taking turns in a conversation
- Yes and no, and answering questions
- Telling the truth, with a smile
The story behind the rhyme
Johny Johny Yes Papa is one of the most-sung nursery rhymes in India and is loved around the world. Nobody knows who first wrote it.
Its call-and-answer shape is perfect for children who are just learning to talk, and its little lesson about telling the truth always ends in laughter.
Questions parents ask
What is the lesson of Johny Johny Yes Papa?
That it’s better to tell the truth. Johny says he isn’t eating sugar, but his open mouth gives him away, and everyone laughs.
Is it Johny or Johnny?
Both spellings are used. The rhyme is most often written “Johny Johny Yes Papa”.
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